AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes, on the surface, that’s true. But doesn’t the soul live on? Is there really such a thing as death? And the hardship we encounter… how often is it of our own making? Because of attachments and rigid viewpoints? When you look deeper, isn’t there always a silver lining?
“In my case, it took a horrific event like this for me to wake up to see that the job I was doing was killing my faith in humanity. Even though I was fighting on the side of good, I grew more cynical and darker… and that’s not me. The black swan energy treasures life and laughter. That too is important to bring to the world.”
“But what you did as a Green Beret was essential for protecting the lives of so many.”
“Absolutely, and I forever treasure my time in the service. It was fulfilling a destiny, my family’s legacy, and that’s crucial to me. I am fully behind each and every person who serves our country. It’s an honor and should never be taken lightly. But I had paid my dues, and it was time to take a different road.”
Wow, I’m not quite sure what to say. This man has been through so much and has come out the other end as an even better version of himself.
“How long did it take you to reach that point?” I ask.
Aiden laughs. “It’s an ongoing process, Sunshine. But I stayed at the ashram for two and a half years. By then, I felt more balanced and ready to face the world again. As tempting as it was, I knew I couldn’t hide away forever. Ethan had left four months prior and had already started working for Gary. I knew I still wanted to use my talents and skills I’d refined over the years. So when I returned to Atlanta, I talked with Gary. I had a job the following week and have never looked back. Gary understands better than anyone what each of us has gone through since leaving the service; he’s been there himself. He’s a role model for many, but he still battles his demons sometimes.”
I don’t know about the demons from his military days and, to be honest, I don’t want to know about them. But after the other night, I certainly know about his personal one. Since then, there’s an uncanny bond with him, his late daughter connecting the two of us.
I find myself staring at Aiden in awe at his strength and determination to get his life back on track after his horrendous experiences. He truly is an inspiration. It makes me feel bad for wallowing in pity for as long as I did after my parents died. My face must give me away, because Aiden cocks his head to the side, studying me. “What are you thinking about?”
I look away. Do I want to admit to my failure to move on for six years? Compared to what he had to endure, it’s pathetic. But then he has been nothing but honest with me, not sugarcoating his struggles… though, his were justified, mine seem self-indulgent now. But he let me see the real Aiden, isn’t it fair to let him see the real me? Maybe if he sees how weak I can be, he’ll be dissuaded from pursuing me. But is that really what I want?
I smooth the lines in my skirt, picking off invisible lint. Aiden reaches over and puts his hand on mine. Immediately, I’m covered in goose bumps. My pulse speeds up involuntarily as I lift my gaze to meet his.
“What’s going on in that head of yours?” he asks softer this time, his dark chocolate-brown eyes beckoning me again with their depth.
I drop my gaze and let out a long breath. “You’ve been through so much… and I…” I pause to find the right words.
“And you, what?” Aiden asks, his thumb now moving slow, calming circles on my hand. Just that they’re not calming. Every rotation ignites more heat. Fuck, how am I meant to think and put coherent sentences together?
I clear my throat. “After listening to you, I feel weak and pathetic,” I admit. “When I lost my parents, I let myself go, wallowing in self-pity and depression until a few months ago. It’s nothing compared to your experience, and you managed to move through it. I’ve wasted six years.”
“Hey,” Aiden soothes, moving his finger under my chin to lift my gaze back to his. “Please don’t judge yourself. Your loss was just as real as mine. People react differently to traumatic experiences. You were close with your parents. Having them ripped from you like that… of course it would throw you in a spin.”
He gently rubs my chin just below my lower lip, causing my stomach to flip and tumble.
“The most important thing is that you found a way out of your dark hole. Does it really matter how long it took you? You’re anything but weak, Ella. From what you told me, you endured things no woman… or man should. You are strong. Never forget that,” he almost whispers.
The energy is buzzing between us, and I’m pretty sure I forget how to breathe. Our heads are moving closer in slow motion, his chocolate-brown eyes full of fire. My heart jumps in anticipation of what’s about to happen, every cell in my body chanting “Yes, yes, yes.”
Knock, knock, knock.
The sudden sound makes us jump apart as if caught in the act. I stand and wring my hands, trying to appear innocent but failing miserably. I’m sure I’m beet red when the door opens and Ethan sticks in his head with a huge, knowing grin on his face.
“I thought I saw you two go up here.”
My mind is racing faster than my heart. “Umm, Aiden was showing me your tap handle collection,” I stupidly say. Could I look any more guilty? But guilty of what?
Aiden chuckles amused as he stands too, rubbing his hands on his pants.
I should probably thank Ethan for interrupting the moment and stopping me from doing something foolish like endangering Aiden’s life by letting him become involved with me.
“Gary is looking for you, Riley. He and Helen are ready to head back to Atlanta. He wants to know if you still want a lift back?” he asks with an inquisitive eyebrow raised.
Hell, yes! Get me out of here, before I do something I’m sure to regret. “Yes, I do. Thanks,” I say a little too quickly.
The three of us head back downstairs, and I make the rounds of saying goodbye to the people I know with Aiden by my side. God, I feel like we’re a couple when I really shouldn’t. But this last hour we spent together talking, with Aiden opening up about something so personal… it’s removed barriers between us that really should have stayed in place if I want any chance of resisting this man. He felt familiar before. Now, it’s more like I’ve known him for decades… centuries even.
Aiden escorts me to Gary’s car, his hand splayed over my lower back as we walk. With Tiero, this gesture always seemed possessive. With Aiden, though? It’s protective and caring. I love it when I really shouldn’t. Even though he’s touching me over layers of clothes, it doesn’t stop the heat rushing through my body, the chilly October air doing nothing to cool me down.
Ade opens the car door for me and I slide in. He bends and we come face to face, and I’m full on hit with his divine smile and the twinkle in his eyes.
